Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Oratorio" in English language version.
A large-scale, usually narrative musical work for orchestra and voices, typically on a sacred theme and performed with little or no costume, scenery, or action.
For want of a better term this work may be called a 'Secular Oratorio;' but... Arnold, not wishing to style it an Opera, mentions it as a 'dramatic performance' and certainly the nature of the libretto precludes the possibility of our surrounding it with any religious associations. Victor Schœlcher, in his Life of Handel... dwells on the absurdity of the feeling which, in the composer's time, prompted persons to forbid Esther or Judas Maccabaeus to be played in action, whilst they could listen with equanimity to Semele even in Lent, because it was 'after the manner of an Oratorio.'
For want of a better term this work may be called a 'Secular Oratorio;' but... Arnold, not wishing to style it an Opera, mentions it as a 'dramatic performance' and certainly the nature of the libretto precludes the possibility of our surrounding it with any religious associations. Victor Schœlcher, in his Life of Handel... dwells on the absurdity of the feeling which, in the composer's time, prompted persons to forbid Esther or Judas Maccabaeus to be played in action, whilst they could listen with equanimity to Semele even in Lent, because it was 'after the manner of an Oratorio.'
